Definitions

thankless

[thangk-lis] / ˈθæŋk lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

unappreciated

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fruitless futile unpleasant

STRONG

ungrateful

WEAK

barren disagreeable distasteful miserable not worth it unprofitable unrecognized unrequited unreturned unrewarding useless vain wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fruitful productive profitable

WEAK

appreciated appreciative considerate contented grateful rewarded satisfied thankful

ADJECTIVE

unappreciative, inconsiderate (in behavior)

Synonyms

STRONG

ungrateful unthankful

WEAK

careless cruel heedless inappreciative rude self-centered thoughtless ungracious unmindful

Antonyms

WEAK

appreciated appreciative considerate contented grateful rewarded satisfied thankful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Getting kids to drink water can be a thankless task - they would often rather do anything else.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Being an executor is a legally risky, time-consuming and often thankless job.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

The only question is: Who in the world would want the thankless job?

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

"It's a thankless job," my dad always said of the business.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi